Going West with Angela

photo by Glen McClure

In 2006, when I came to visit Capernaum club, I did not know what God had in store for me. It is funny to say that I did not really want to come to Capernaum in the first place. I was just trying to graduate from college, but I thought Capernaum was going to be another way for me to gain experience. Little did I know that God was painting a beautiful picture for my future with Capernaum. I became a Jr. leader, Sr. leader, a part-time staff, and now an intern. Each of the roles helped me to understand that God was calling me to minister to people with disabilities. When I entered the YoungLife Internship Program, I knew it required some training away from the area. I did not know what exactly it was going to be like. Can I tell you that I was in for a time of my life? My wheelchair and I were about to experience two wonderful weeks in the beautiful snowy mountains of Colorado at Frontier Ranch.

_______


New Staff Training 2009

by Angela West
Young Life Capernaum Intern
Hampton Roads, VA

Preparing the Way

The first person to start to think about all the preparation needed for me to go to Frontier was one of my best friends, Tara. She brought it up even when I was just considering joining the internship program. After all, she knew what it was going to be like since she was just finishing her internship.

Frontier is one of the most beautiful places you can go to in the country, but Tara knew it was not the ideal place for a person in a wheelchair. There are hills to climb, ice to avoid, and staircases in most of the buildings. Boy, what a vivid mental picture did I have. She and John talked to Nick and Pam, senior staff of Capernaum, and together we started to prepare the way.

We knew it was not going to be a clear-cut path because there has never been anyone in a wheelchair at New Staff. Nevertheless, we took it as an opportunity to illustrate that God uses Capernaum to show people His power.

As the time drew nearer, God had formed a perfect plan for me. Every detail that the Frontier staff knew of was going to be planned out. Kristi, who was just a person on the other side of the computer to me at the time, seemed like she cared so much for me. I remember jokingly writing that if she did not understand me the first time, all she needed to say was, “girl, I have not a clue what you are saying, repeat yourself.” She wrote that she would try but it might be a little hard for her at first. I was very excited to meet her and all of the people at NST.


Flying with One of God’s Angels

The day before I was leaving, I found out that Ashley, my assistant, was not going to be on the same flight. My friend, Leigh, said I had the look of terror on my face. I had only flown a few times, but never without a close friend. My fellow intern, Alison, was on the same flight; however, I had not asked her to be my aide for the flight.

I humbly picked up the phone and called Alison. For anyone that knows Alison is aware that she is full of God. She is beautiful on the outside and on the inside. On the other end of the line I heard her say, “Angela, we are going to get to have girl time.” I just smiled and knew everything was going to be okay. When I picked Alison up for the airport, we were both nervous about flying. I had only flown once before as an adult, and that was not a good experience. One airport had left my wheelchair at my layover city and the other had messed up the battery. I was not looking forward to seeing what would happen this time.

We were able to board the flight without any problems. Flying was fun! We talked, laughed, and looked at the crazy inventions in the magazine on the airplane. She laughed when she saw my playlist on the iPod. I have some High School Musical and Hannah Montana on there. I was jokingly saying, “It is for clubs!” “Sure…” she said. We just laughed more.

When we arrived at our lay over connection, my wheelchair was waiting for me outside of the airplane. The airport staff transferred me into my wheelchair and I was in a hurry to rush over to my next flight. I tried to turn on my wheelchair and my power did not work. I looked at Alison and began to panic!

I could not begin to imagine these next two weeks without the ability to push myself wherever I needed to go. Alison smiled at me and said not to worry. She began pushing my heavy wheelchair with two book bags on her shoulders. If it had been anyone else, I don’t know if they would have handled it with the grace that she did. Together, we raced through the Atlanta airport. We ended up fixing the wheelchair while we were waiting to board the plane to Colorado. Everything was going to be great now!


Ranch Welcome

After a long day of flying from Virginia to Colorado, we had a two hour bus ride to Frontier Ranch. The bus ride was quite scary for me because Ashley and I were sitting in the front row of the bus. When I looked out the front window, all I could see was snow falling heavily. It was awesome! I had never seen so much snow.

After battling the traffic from the snow, we finally arrived at the gates of Frontier. It was just as beautiful as I saw in a picture. The only scary part was the road up to camp. It was very curvy and narrow. It looked as if the bus would fall off the edge of the mountain. Ashley and some other interns laughed at me as I sat there with my hands over my eyes in terror.

When we finally reached the dinning hall of the camp, everyone else had arrived and was already eating dinner. We quickly learned that we were the last ones to arrive at camp. Kristi was waiting for us to check in and I was so excited to meet her. She greeted with a hug and I knew right then that we would be friends.

Rolling into a dinning hall full of 200 strangers was very intimidating. When I went in it looked like all the tables were full. My friends, Hannah and Brooke, who I did not know very well, rushed over and gave me a big hug. It was so relieving to see some familiar faces. Brooke offered to feed me right away, and I knew that she was going to become a special person to me.



Say What?

Dinner the second night we were suppose to eat dinner with our small group that the team had picked out for us. Each of us in the small groups did not know each other and were eager to get to know one another. The new staff team had a brilliant idea that the proper way to introduce new people to one another would be over a meal. Conversations are easy to make up and there is no pressure if there are moments of silence between conversations.

Well, when a person, like myself, tries to communicate with people that are not familiar with disabilities, it is hard to talk in a loud environment, such as a big dinner. I tried to talk across the table but I knew that people were just nodding their heads to be polite. I even noticed that one of the girls would not even look at me directly.

I attempted to use Ashley to translate, but it still felt very awkward. I was somewhat dreading the next two weeks, if this was what it was going to be like for me all the time.


Kristi

The NST Staff that I emailed from the beginning was Kristi. Like I said before, when I first met her, I knew that there was something special about her. I could tell as the days passed that she was getting use to understanding me. Even when she didn’t, we made a joke about it. There were times that I just needed someone to talk to about some personal issues, and she was constantly ready to listen. Everyone loved Kristi because she was always ready to help.

There was one day that I was just tired and ready to go home… and it was only the third day. After breakfast I asked Kristi if she could take some time to talk to me. She had to take care of some other things, and said she would come to my cabin when she was finished. I had just had a bad experience with the shower, when Kristi got back to me. I told her what had happened and she prayed with me and said she would take care of it.

She also asked me if she could braid my hair. It was awesome that she took time to spend time with me and we became like sisters. I laughed when she had to answer the radio several times when people were looking for her. What could she have said? Was hair braiding in her job description? Maybe not for YoungLife, but God certainly worked through her that day and the days after. This was just the beginning of an awesome friendship…



Chaps’ Class

It has been a few years since I have been in school, and I kind of forgot what it is like to be in class for hours at a time. At first, I had to make myself concentrate on the lectures. A lot of the information about adolescent development was a review of what I studied in college. I was a little bummed, because I wanted to learn something new to help me reach out to my Capernaum friends more.

The second day of class, while I was listening to Chap, I realized that I was sitting in a class that was covered by the love of Christ. I never had been in a class where Christ was the center of the discussions. By the third day, everyone felt like we were drinking out of a fire hose. I remember one day after class, my small group and I did not know if we could handle anymore information. It was funny because we sat in our group and did not say anything for the first few minutes.

Another day, when I was trying to leave the dinning hall, I had a chance to talk to Chap. I was nervous because I did not know how he was going to react to me. He was so awesome; I knew he was trying to understand me as much as he could without help.

The last day of class, my region and I wanted to take a picture with him. I could not get to the stage, so I did not think I was going to get to be in the picture. When Chap realized what was going on, he came up the stairs, and he and all of us took a picture together. I was sad that he was going to be leaving, and I partially didn’t want a new professor.


Mat Carrying Women

Sometimes I imagine what the friends in the Mark 2 Capernaum account were like. I believe during these two weeks I met two of the friends. Hannah and Brooke are two Capernaum interns in different parts of the United States. I had only met Hannah once at the All Staff Conference the year before. We ran into each other the day before it was over. I had only met Brooke once at Rockbridge. Although these two women did not know me very well; they certainly were the ones that carried me through the two weeks.

Hannah does Capernaum in Seattle and reminds me so much of a friend from high school. She is always laughing and so fun to be in a room with. Every morning before class began, she would come over to where I was sitting to put lotion on my hands because she knew hers were dry, and that meant mine were too. I know that does not sound like a big deal, but it was to me. Sometimes actions are just as powerful as words.

Brooke turned out to be my closest friend at NST. I can truly say that I don’t know what I would have done without her there. She is hilarious and always knew how to make me laugh, including times when we were supposed to be quiet. One morning at breakfast, the team was telling us what verse we needed to read for our devotion time then we were going to pray and leave quietly. Well, our table did not hear the directions. Just as the room fell to silence, Brooke screamed, “PSLAMS 24 WHAT?” I literally had to stuff a napkin in my mouth so I wouldn’t laugh. With tears running down my face, I tried not to make a sound. That was just one of the many laughs we had. She was also the person that I could cry with. I always went to her when I was overwhelmed, and she knew what I needed to hear. We were like two peas in a pod.

Hannah and Brooke are like the friends in the Capernaum account. They carried me to the feet of Jesus at NST. I left different a person, because I saw Jesus in their eyes and actions. Friends like them are sweet gifts from the Lord, and even if I do not get to see them as much as I would like, I consider them to be two of my closest friends and sisters.


God Paiged Bill

Have you ever met someone that you knew was a great person, but something about them intimidated you? Bill Paige was that person to me. I knew he had to be a great guy because he was the one that was going to lead chapel, but he looks like he could be a quarterback in the NFL. He always joked that a person did not want to mess with him. I laughed, but on the inside, I knew it was somewhat true. Eventually, after hearing him talk a few times, I saw that he had a heart that loved Christ and us.

The line that he used in his talks was “look at your neighbor, and say, ‘neighbor,…’”. It was so funny, and yet very powerful. Brooke was sitting next to me most of the time, and it was funny to say some of the things he told us to say to her. Once we had to say, “Neighbor, I don’t know what type of shoes you are wearing, but I am wearing issues.” I was laughing so hard, and my friends thought I forgot how to breathe.

One day, I was having a little war with myself on the inside. I smiled but I was not happy at all and wanted to be alone. As I found my table for lunch, Bill came over to me and in my ear he whispered, “You are doing God’s work just by being here.” I did not have a chance to say anything before he returned to his table. A few minutes later, he came back and said, “Can I have a picture of you to put on my computer and under it I will write ‘Get over yourself’”. He was trying to say that I was doing a great job by overcoming the obstacles, but he also spoke truth into me to keep going.

Bill Paige answered God’s page to rescue me from checking out too early. I grew to love to listen to him and hear his cries out to the Lord. He became like a dad to me while at NST.



CommonWealth Women

I was a little sad when I was not in the same cabin as the women from the Commonwealth Region. I had asked Kristi to put me in a cabin with some of the Capernaum women so they could help me if I needed help. That was before I knew the women from my region very well. When they found out that I was not in the same cabin, they were so upset. I knew that they loved me, and I loved them.

Every one of them took turns helping me during meals. When it was free time, if I was not with them, they made sure I was alright. There were days when they walked up the road and invited me to come with them. It was some of the best times there as we had an amazing view of the mountains around us and great conversations. I loved being around them.

Even at night, when everyone went back to their cabins. I went to the Commonwealth women’s cabin. There were times when we would all be in a circle on our laptops checking e-mails from home and the room would be totally silent. We laughed about it, but truthfully, just being in the same room made me feel like I was at home.

I don’t know if my girls know it, but they all have a common amount of wealth that is more precious than silver or gold. Love and acceptance are two of the most precious gifts that a person can be given, and that is what I received from them. I hold all of them and their love close to my heart.



Small Group #20

Remember the small group that I did not want to be a part of because they wouldn’t talk to me? Well, that same group became my family. It is amazing to see how God can change a group of strangers into a body that grew to love each other unconditionally.

All six of them were awesome, and I think each of them had a purpose for being in my life. Two of them, Donnel and Bethany, really stand out in my mind. Bethany is the woman that I had a hard time talking with the first few nights. It seemed like she did not want to talk to me. Over time, the walls fell down and she became like a sister to me.

One night towards the end of the two weeks, she and I went to go get our papers. While we were going over to the building, I thanked her for getting to know me. She asked if she could be honest with me, and I of course said yes. She confessed that she was very much intimidated by my disability, but she was so glad that I always tried to be in the middle of everything.

Donnel was the other special person to me in my small group. He is a guy that does Urban YoungLife, and he looks like he could be on Bill’s football team. He always would have something to say to me and I would just smile. He called me baby girl, and I knew if I needed anything, he would be one of the first ones there for me.

I am so glad that God brought these people into my life. It shows me that sometimes I have to put in a little more effort when meeting people for the first time in a group. But it sure was worth all of the effort. I looked forward to our daily small group time. When it was towards the end of the two weeks, we were a family.



Snowy Adventure

The second Saturday, we had a day of free time. We could pick from different activities, for example, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, going to a spa, or going into towns. My region wanted to go to an activity together, and I was excited. Of course, they would pick snowshoeing! I highly doubted they were going to have something to fit the wheels of my chair. So what was I going to do?

Skiing was not something that I wanted to do. Going to the spa sounded relaxing, but I admit I am a bit of a tomboy. Going to town to shop, ehh, I can do that anywhere. Snowmobiling was all that was left. Kristi called the company to ask if they could accommodate me, and they said definitely.

So Kristi, four guys from Washington, and I were on our way. I said to myself “Why didn’t I just go to town?” I had forgotten that I have a hard time breathing when I am on something that goes really fast. I was getting scared. As we were getting the equipment on and learning about the snowmobile, I knew there was no turning back for me.

I was on a snowmobile with the lead guide, and we went slowly. As we figured out the best way for me to be on the snowmobile was sideways, I started having the time of my life. He started to pick up speed and jumped a few hills. I had a blast and did not feel any fear. The scenery of the woods covered with snow was breathtakingly beautiful. I enjoyed every minute of it.

When we got to an open field, my guide said it would be funny if we staged a picture of me crashing. So he turned a snowmobile on its side and I laid beside it. Kristi took a picture. It was freezing but hilarious. The lesson of the day: Dream Big, go all out, and choose to make memories!



Flying Book

That night after dinner, I knew I needed to study for the book quiz. The team had put together a study guide and I wanted to do it. I could not find my girls from my region so I went to my cabin. I started to do my study guide, and it was hard. Twenty minutes passed and I only had two answers. I was getting frustrated, when my friend, Erin, walked in. She invited me to a study group, and I felt some of the pressure fall off of me.

I did not know anyone very well. I was just relieved that I was not alone. Everyone was very nice, and we laughed a lot. All of us were answering the questions. However, there was one guy that annoyed the heck out of me. Ben took every answer and tried to turn it into a deep theological discussion. Now, I am a pretty responsible student, but that night I was tired and my head was hurting. So after he gave another one of his discussion, I flung my book and hit his leg with it. I knew he knew I was kidding, but I didn’t care if he disliked me.

Ironically, the day after, he and I started to hangout. I have to say he was one of the few guys that really got to know me. We had so much fun talking and playing cards. I truly felt like I was with my best friend. The second week, I felt like we were inseparable.

I wouldn’t recommend throwing books to make friends. But I was very blessed to meet Ben. I am not going to forget the times we shared. They were definitely special. By the way, I got a B+ on my quiz.



Dale’s Love

Our second week of class, I did not know if my brain could handle anymore information. I was kind of nervous about the second class, but I was excited we were going to talk about the Book of John. Dr. Dale Bruner appeared on the stage, and something about him immediately grabbed my attention. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew I was in for a treat.

At the beginning of each class, he started out with a passage from John. Instead of reading it out of the Bible, he recited everything from memory. The first time that I heard him do this, I forgot that I was suppose to read along because I was so amazed that he knew the book by heart. After sitting in his class a couple of times, I knew that he taught from his heart and that he loved us so much.

After each class, everyone would race down to the stage to talk to him and he was always willing to stay until he talked to the last student. One of the nights I really wanted to go down and talk to him but I was not able to walk down the stairs. I mentioned to Ben that I was kind of bummed that I could not go down there.

I left the classroom and started to hang out with some friends in front of the game room. I noticed that Dr. Bruner was walking towards me and when he approached me he asked me if I was Angela. He told me that Ben had told him that he needed to meet me. When we talked, it was awesome because I could tell he really wanted to understand me and I think for the most part, he did.

The next day of class, Dr. Bruner said to the entire class that he was able to meet me because of my friend Ben. He also thanked me for being so strong and hanging right with the crowd. It was such a pleasure to be in a class with a professor that loves the Lord and teaches right from his heart.



Commissioning

I knew that the last service was going to be very emotional because it would be the last time we would be together as a class. We were able to sit with our small groups. My small group wanted to sit towards the middle f the room and I needed to get out of my wheelchair. The boys in my small group sat around me so they could hold me up. When it was time to sing, they took turns holding me. It was such an awesome feeling and I cried most of the night.

The team allowed us to have 20 minutes to take turns speaking about what these two weeks meant to us. I knew that I was not going to be able to talk because I just knew that I would burst into tears. So I just sat there and listened to everyone else. Donnel was holding me up and he asked Chris if he could take over while he said something. Donnel stood up and said that he had a new hero and he looked down at me and said “Angela”. That was the end of my dry eyes.

The last ceremonial thing that we did was the commissioning vows. We had to pick a partner and promise to one another that we would continue what we learned there and take it home. I grabbed Hannah because I wanted her to be my partner. However, Ben had a different plan for me. We laughed about it later but it was awesome to have him as my partner. What better way to end this time other than with someone that truly saw me as “Angela” and loved me for me. I cried a lot that night, and we stayed up as late as possible to have the last night of fun.

_____

I am so thankful that God allowed me to be there at NST! I learned about the love that God has for us and experienced it like I never have. I hope that one day; another intern with a disability will have the same opportunity. Sometimes the road ahead of you looks scary, but don’t worry, God has a way. You just have to trust Him, and GO!

I AM GOING!

Angela West